[Publib] "Need Advice"

[Mimi Morris]

I don't know about that!  There are tremendous opportunities for working
with every facet of the public--and the "silver tsunami" of aging baby
boomers will accentuate service to that population segment.  I think the
joy of public libraries is working with everyone coming in, and not
always knowing who will come in the door next!  Business people,
community partners in outreach to the underserved, kids,
parents...whoever!  Computers are our tool, not our raison d'etre.

A retiring state librarian said, a few years ago, something like this:
If you go into libraries because you love books, you are in the wrong
place.
If you go into libraries because you love computers, you are in the
wrong place.
If you go into libraries because you love working with people, this is
the right place for you...

As someone who regularly hires new librarians, I'd rather see true
excitement about who we serve and how you might add to our professional
excellence, and an understanding of the ethical and visionary context of
public service, than a second masters.  We can provide training on
databases and reference sources, but we can't teach someone to love
public service if the instinct and desire aren't there.

Not that there aren't places in library land for subject specialists, if
that's what you want, but you shouldn't pursue that subject specialty
only because you think you need it to be a librarian.  

Just my thoughts...

Mimi Morris
Assistant Director for Branch and Extension Services
Dayton Metro Library
215 E. Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
mmorris at daytonmetrolibrary.org 
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of
mklibrarian at gmail.com
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 10:45 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] "Need Advice"


My brief, stock answer to questions like this [about public library
careers] is: your best bet is a focus on working with children, teens or
computers.


> I recently started a graduate program in library
> science, a field that I am completely new to.  And,
> after reading a month's worth of posted messages on
> this site, I am beginning to wonder about employment
> opportunities after I receive my master's degree.  As
> a consequence, I am looking for advice: in order to
> enhance career opportunities, would all of you
> recommend that I specialize in one particular sector
> of the program and, if so, what area?  Or would it be
> better to combine the program with another graduate
> program, like Art History for example, and receive a
> master's degree in both? The latter would take more
> time, of course, and cost a great deal more money.  In
> the long run, would it be worth it?
>
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